On December 12, 2025, Brazil officially transferred the presidency of BRICS to India during the concluding session of the 4th BRICS Sherpas Meeting. This ceremonial handover represents a significant leadership transition, with India poised to guide BRICS discussions and initiatives in 2026.
BRICS is a coalition of major emerging economies, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Its primary objective is to foster cooperation among Global South nations in crucial areas such as development, trade, finance, and global governance reform. The presidency rotates annually among its member states, ensuring diverse leadership.
The symbolic transfer of leadership occurred when Brazil’s Sherpa, Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio, handed over the BRICS gavel to India’s Sherpa, Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela. This event marked the conclusion of the 4th Sherpas Meeting. The gavel symbolizes the official transfer of leadership and responsibilities. Although the ceremony was held in December, Brazil will retain the BRICS presidency until December 31, 2025.
Throughout its presidency, Brazil emphasized six key areas:
Furthermore, Brazil played a crucial role in advancing discussions around inclusive global governance and reforming the UN Security Council.
As India assumes the presidency, it has outlined several key objectives, including:
India has expressed its commitment to consensus-building and fostering inclusive development during its leadership.
The ceremonial gavel, crafted from repurposed wood sourced from the Amazon rainforest, embodies Brazil’s commitment to sustainability. Made from abandoned wood of native trees like Itaúba and Pau Rainha, it was handcrafted by the Novo Airão community in Amazonas as part of a sustainability project. This gavel signifies Brazil's dedication to climate-focused cooperation and the deep-rooted collaboration among BRICS nations.
In summary, Brazil's handover of the BRICS presidency to India in December 2025 sets the stage for India's leadership in 2026. Key focuses will include resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, with an emphasis on addressing Global South issues and governance reform. The symbolic Amazon gavel highlights Brazil's enduring commitment to sustainability.
Q1. What is BRICS?
Answer: BRICS is a coalition of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors such as trade and global governance.
Q2. When did India take over the BRICS presidency?
Answer: India officially took over the BRICS presidency from Brazil during the handover ceremony on December 12, 2025, although Brazil will remain in office until December 31, 2025.
Q3. What are the main objectives of India’s presidency in BRICS?
Answer: India's presidency aims to strengthen climate disaster management, promote responsible AI use, enhance scientific research, and advocate for reforms in global governance institutions, including the UN Security Council.
Q4. What does the Amazon gavel symbolize?
Answer: The Amazon gavel symbolizes Brazil's commitment to sustainability and climate cooperation, crafted from repurposed wood to highlight environmental responsibility.
Q5. How often does the BRICS presidency change hands?
Answer: The BRICS presidency rotates annually among its member states, ensuring that each country has the opportunity to lead discussions and initiatives.
Question 1: What is the primary objective of BRICS?
A) Military cooperation among member states
B) Promoting cooperation among Global South countries
C) Establishing a common currency
D) Developing space technology
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Who handed over the BRICS gavel to India?
A) China’s Sherpa Ambassador
B) Russia’s Sherpa Ambassador
C) Brazil’s Sherpa Ambassador
D) South Africa’s Sherpa Ambassador
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What is one of the key focus areas during Brazil's presidency?
A) Space exploration
B) Global Health Cooperation
C) Introduction of a BRICS currency
D) Military alliances
Correct Answer: B
Kutos : AI Assistant!
